Theology Midterm 2026

Arianism

Developed from the teachings from Arius, a Christian Priest who believed that the Son was NOT co-eternal with the father and instead a created being.

The Council of Nicaea (325)

Opposed the nature of Christ defined by Arianism, affirming the equality of the Son with the Father and declaring the Nicene Creed.

What was the religious distinction between Visigoth and Hispano-Roman rule?

The Visigoths = Arian Christians, while the Hispano-Roman population = predominantly Catholic, leading to theological conflicts and tensions in governance.

Third Council of Toledo (589): what was the role of King Reccared I and the significance of the Visigothic monarchy's adoption of Nicene Catholicism?

King Reccared I publicly converted from Arian Christianity to Nicene Catholic Church. Result: Catholicism adopted as official religion. Council attempted to establish religious unity between Visigoths & Hispano-Roman population.

Describe the 3 main religious traditions present in Arabia before Islam

• Arabian polytheism: dominant religious tradition

• Judaism: Jewish communities established in Arabia for centuries; important in Medina and Southern Arabia

• Christianity: Southern/Northern Arabia. Different traditions and divisions

What was the importance of Mecca and the Kaaba before the emergence of Islam?

• Mecca: where Muhammad was born and where he returned to after force migration to Medina

• Kaaba: major sanctuary, housing sacred objects and images associated w different cults

Who is Muhammad and why was he significant to the emergence of Islam?

Muhammad: born in Mecca (570) and received revelations from Allah

Describe the Qur'an

Islam’s central sacred text; known as the word of God revealed to Muhammad. Written in Arabic and contains 114 Surahs.

Describe the Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada: faith (one God and Muhammad as messenger)

• Salat: ritual prayers

• Zakat: charitable giving

• Sawm: fasting during Ramadan

• Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

Describe the importance of the Hijra

Modern day Medina, where Muhammad and his followers established religious and political community

What distinguished Sunni traditions, particularly in relation to the question of leadership after Muhammad?

• Political legitimacy: recognized by Muslim community recognizes and possess ability to maintain religious and political order

What distinguished Shi’a traditions, particularly in relation to the question of leadership after Muhammad?

• Political legitimacy: Imams descended from Ali and Fatima; possess special divinely granted authority and knowledge to interpret revelation

What was the significance of the Muslim conquest beginning in 711?

Defeat of the Visigoths by the Umayyad -> Muslim rapid conquest of southern and central Iberia

What was the role of Tariq ibn Ziyad in the conquest of Iberia?

Crossed the Strait of Gibraltar with army and defeated the Visigothic king in the Battle of Guadalete

Pact of Umar

Treaty of Tudmir (713)

Describe the transition from the Visigothic kingdom to Muslim rule and the establishment of al-Andalus.

711: defeat of Visigoth king by Umayyad governor and Berber commander, Tariq ibn Ziyad. Within 7 years, Muslims conquered most of the Peninsula. They remained respectful to existing communities in Al-Andalus.